§ Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Power which Government-owned oil pipelines are at present in use by private companies; and what are the terms on which these facilities are made available.
§ Mr. WoodA number of Government-owned pipelines are in use for the transport of oil owned by oil companies, under agreements which provide for a charge based on tonnage and mileage. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the routes of the lines in use.
§ Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Power how many oil pipelines are at present serving the vicinity of London Airport; how many are under construction or planned; what is the daily capacity of each; and how the total capacity is related to the present and prospective needs of London Airport.
§ Mr. WoodOnly one line has been built, and I understand that its capacity of 700,000 gallons a day is related to the owners' estimate of their future sales and not to the requirements of London Airport as a whole. These are growing and have already reached 300,000 gallons a day. A second line is being planned under a Private Bill going142W through Parliament to link the airport with another refining centre; its initial capacity will be 700,000 gallons a day, but it will supply the West London area with refined products as well as the airport. I am afraid I cannot usefully comment at this early stage on a third possible project referred to in the Press, for which a Private Bill is being laid.